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HSE Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) eBulletin

Issued: 6 January 2021

Welcome to the latest Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) eBulletin, which focuses on the key topic of Thorough Examination and Test (TExT).

It includes details and further links to guidance on the legal responsibilities associated with protecting your workforce, training employees and LEV equipment.

The content is relevant to employers, employees and suppliers of LEV so please share this information as widely as possible to protect all those working in the industry.

What is the purpose of a thorough examination and test?

A thorough examination and test is a detailed and systematic examination sufficient to ensure that the LEV can continue to perform as intended by design and will contribute to adequate control of exposure.

Do you know your legal responsibilities as a duty holder to your employees?

• Health and Safety Law states that you, as a duty holder, must assess risks to your workers from hazardous substances (dusts, fumes, vapours) and decide what measures to use to protect their health.
  
  
• You must maintain all selected Local Exhaust Ventilation equipment in efficient working order so that it continues to provide protection every day.
  
  
• You should be able to provide the examiner with full details of the intended future performance of the equipment.
  
  
• You are responsible for arranging the TExT to be carried out. Remember it should be carried out by someone who has the correct knowledge, skills and practical experience to ensure an effective and reliable job. Contact the manufacturer or supplier for more information if you are unsure. The HSE website contains further information on the duties of hirers and suppliers.
  
  
• Equipment should not be used if the expiry date has passed.
  
  
• You should arrange for periodic TExT examinations at least every 14 months.
  
  
• You must keep records for a period of at least 5 years.
  
  
• In addition, you should have detailed information on the installed LEV system to confirm it provides adequate protection, and this should be kept for the life of the equipment.

Do you know your legal responsibilities as an examiner?

• The employer (i.e. your client) has the duty in law to ensure control equipment is always working properly/to correct specification. LEV TExT is part of this. The purpose of the LEV and the TExT is to help to ensure that control of exposure is adequate and protects workers’ health. You will have been engaged to provide the necessary competent support the employers need to do this, and they will expect you to provide adequate service and advice. You should make sure you have sufficient information to be able to do this work.
  
  
• The principles for conducting a TExT for on-tool extraction are the same as for fixed LEV systems and outlined in ’Controlling airborne contamination at work’ HSG 258. However, it is only necessary to thoroughly examine and test the extraction unit itself. This is because the interchangeable nature of on-tool extraction and the range of tasks it is used for make it impractical to test all the potential combinations. The condition and performance of the other components (i.e. hood and hoses) should be regularly checked by visual inspection as stated under COSHH Regulation 8.
  
  
• They should be replaced or repaired where there is damage or deterioration. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the extraction system is functioning properly and providing effective control each time the equipment is used.

   

  For further detailed information and guidance visit the FAQ page on the HSE website.

Thorough examination and testing of equipment during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: Your legal obligations

• HSE expects dutyholders to make all reasonable efforts to arrange for thorough examination and testing to be carried out within the statutory time limits.
  
  
• The legal obligation to ensure that work plant and equipment is maintained and is safe to use remains in place.
  
  
• This guidance is for dutyholders and inspectors. It has information about how to meet your legal obligations to carry out thorough examination and testing of equipment during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.